Sony is further expanding its professional camcorder credentials with the launch of the new HXR-MC1500. The HXR-MC1500 adds to Sony’s new category of high definition(HD) tape-less memory camcorder series giving the ideal balance of performance and functionality in the digital era.

Capturing moments in both HD as well as SD formats, superb visual quality is certain with proven features such as Sony’s state-of-the-art proprietary G-Lens and Exmor R™ CMOS sensor (up to 4 million pixels). The superior extreme wide angle optical G-lens provides wide capture mode of up to 29.8mm at 12x Optical / 160x Digital Zoom.

Sony’s Exmor R CMOS sensors have the ability to produce brilliant videos even in low light conditions. The new camcorder adopts a back-illuminated technology that enables the image sensor to utilize incident light more efficiently, reducing the amount of noise by approximately half. This helps users achieve rich image quality and smoother movement even during shooting in low light situations.

The HXR-MC1500 comes with Optical Steady Shot™ image stabilization (Active Mode) with 3-Way Shake Canceling feature to reduce the effects of hand shake in three directions – vertical and horizontal shake are corrected by optical image stabilization and the third, by way of electronic image stabilization which corrects lateral-roll shake. This advanced stabilization system results in brilliant, accurate and sharp video footage - even for fast-moving, on-the-go experiences.

This ergonomic shoulder mount offers professionals a sleek form factor ideal for weddings, news and corporate events. Aside from being lightweight, it is also light on the pocket, giving budget-conscious videographers more for less.

“Sony is responding to the trend towards total file-based production, and the release of HXRMC1500 has the potential to profoundly change the way content is created today. Sony is constantly on the pulse of what our customers need, and continues to provide cutting-edge technologies at attractive price points to suit them. As the leader in the high-definition camcorder category, Sony offers superior technology in its HD models, even at the entry level,” said Chris Grey, Head of Broadcast & Content Creation Solutions, Business & Professional Products Asia Pacific (BPPA), Sony Electronics Asia Pacific.

The HXR-MC1500 boasts a wide variety of functionalities to allow for hours of recording capacity to capture important moments, including the built-in 32 GB hard disk drive (HDD), supporting simultaneous recording of up to 175 minutes in FX mode. Utilizing AVCHD format, it allows for highly efficient video compression that enables generous hours of high definition footage stored at good quality levels on a multitude of affordable consumer media including memory stick Pro Duo, SDXC and SD/SDHC cards.

Also available is the Direct Copy feature, which lets you transfer footage to external hard disk drives (USB2.0; under2TB, FAT32) via a USB cable, when connected to AC power, for PC-free back-up and archiving.